to bring back / to return
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to return
To bring something back to the place you took it from, or to give it back to a person you received it from.
Ich muss die Bücher morgen in die Bibliothek zurückbringen.
I have to return the books to the library tomorrow.
to bring back
To drive or accompany a person back to their starting point or home.
Keine Sorge, ich kann dich nach der Party nach Hause zurückbringen.
Don't worry, I can bring you back home after the party.
'Zurückbringen' (to bring back/to return) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zurück' goes at the end. In a subordinate clause or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Wann bringst du mir mein Buch zurück?
When will you bring my book back to me?
The verb is made up of the directional particle 'zurück' (back) and the verb 'bringen' (to bring). Its meaning can therefore be understood literally as 'to bring something back to its place of origin'.
Kannst du bitte die leere Tasse in die Küche zurückbringen?
Could you please bring the empty cup back to the kitchen?
The context makes clear whether a person or a thing is meant. If the object is a person, it means 'to accompany/bring back'. If the object is a thing, it means 'to return/give back'.
Mein Vater bringt mich nach dem Fest zurück.
My father will bring me back after the celebration.
This verb is often used in connection with borrowed or purchased things. Typical objects are: deposit bottles, a product, a borrowed tool, or clothing.
Wenn dir die Jacke nicht passt, kannst du sie einfach zurückbringen.
If the jacket doesn't fit you, you can simply return it.
to attribute / to lead back
Both words can mean that a person gets back to their starting point or home. „Zurückführen“ emphasizes guiding or leading the person back, whereas „zurückbringen“ focuses mainly on reaching the destination. „Zurückführen“ is more suitable when someone is accompanying the person; „zurückbringen“ is more suitable for a ride or return journey.
Nach der Wanderung brachte der Fahrer die erschöpften Gäste zum Ausgangspunkt zurück.
After the hike, the driver brought the exhausted guests back to the starting point.
Die Bergführerin führte die erschöpften Wanderer zum Ausgangspunkt zurück.
The mountain guide led the exhausted hikers back to the starting point.
